FAI Cup: tournament preview, predictions, odds & free tips

From 7pm Friday

Shamrock Rovers look in the mood to end their FAI Cup famine, starting against Finn Harps in the first round on Friday.

With Rovers out of Europe and probably out of the League of Ireland title race as well, their incredibly long wait for another FAI Cup triumph – 32 years and counting – emphasises the importance of the competition this season, whereas Finn Harps are concentrating on staying up.

With Preston loanee Graham Burke set to make his Tallaght return, Rovers could batter the Donegal side, as they did earlier in the season.

Derry, who are likely to make changes, should still run riot against Wexford Youths. This looks like a cakewalk for one of the best attacks in the league, with teenager David Parkhouse in sensational form.

Perhaps a bigger game sees Bohemians host Shelbourne, whose loss to Cobh Ramblers last weekend could be key to the betting. They aren't over the line in the promotion race yet and it's likely that Ian Morris will ring the changes at Dalymount, their future home.

Galway United have been in freefall in recent months and are possibly the league club most vulnerable to an upset by a non-league side. They go to Whitehall on Sunday to face Collinstown, who aren't a bad team and will be facing opposition seemingly devoid of confidence.

Limerick's season is falling apart on and off the pitch and Cobh Wanderers, a useful Munster Senior League side, will fancy their chance of an upset.

Recommendations
Shamrock Rovers to win FAI Cup
2pts 3-1 Betfair
Shamrock Rovers -2 v Finn Harps
4pts 13-10 bet365, Sky Bet
Cobh Wanderers to beat Limerick
1pt 7-1 bet365
Derry -2 v Wexford Youths
3pts 4-6 bet365, Sky Bet
Collinstown to beat Galway Utd
1pt 10-3 bet365, Betfred, Sky Bet

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport